I am a pretty big believer in 2 3/4” copper plated 6s. Usually I carry a 20ga but will take the 12 pretty much all of December – that’s when I break out the 3” 4s as my last few shots.
WPAs get blackcloud 4s all season.
Kent 3″ bismuth 5s with an IC choke. Kind of overkill, have to be a little careful about ones jumping at your feet and give them a second but never really had a problem.
20ga 3” all season long, including Dec. Anything from 4s to 6s – I’m not picky. Anyone that tells you that you need a 12 ga to kill pheasants probably just isn’t that good of a shot.
For choke, I’m usually running I/C on the bottom and modified on the top.
You dont need a 12 gauge for pheasants by any stretch but late in the season you can reach out and touch them a bit better with a 12. I run 12 gauge, 2 3/4 5 shot where I can shoot lead. 3″ 4 shot for steel. Modified choke works best for me for the entire season.
12 gauge IC choke with 6 shot lead all season.
Shot a pair yesterday at my in-laws farm. My lab got most the work but the springer pup got out for a bit too.
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No luck in the morning deer sit but scored a bird during a midday dog run at least. Back out to the stand for the rest of the evening.
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Kinda heavy but I carry my 10 gauge with BBB’s that way I know their dead when I get them. Plus the dog gets more pieces to look for.
I’ve probably seen close to 100 pheasants in 3 days while deer hunting from my stand. It’s like a freakin’ game farm out there. Gonna be some good hunting as soon as I’m done deer hunting. 
That’s awesome Gim if you need some help to take care of those invasive species let me know, I will send my boy over you wont have to worry about missed birds with him LOL
Nothing better than pheasant season.
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Amen. Need to get me one of those leather game holders.
Can’t wait to get back out. I go to SD next week.
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